Executive Summary
ES-05 Executive Summary - 24 CFR 91.200(c), 91.220(b)
1. Introduction
Cherokee County is required to submit to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) a Consolidated Plan for 2014-2018 and an Annual Action Plan for 2014. The Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan are submitted as a prerequisite to receiving Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funds.
The Five-Year Plan includes a needs assessment, market analysis, identification of priority needs and long-term strategies. An Annual Action Plan implements the strategies and provides a basis for allocating CDBG resources.
The CDBG Program has three national objectives: (1) Benefit to low and moderate income persons, (2) Aid in the prevention of slum and blight, and (3) Urgent Needs. The Consolidated Plan will work in concert with the HOME Program, which is implemented by Cherokee County through the Georgia Urban County Consortium (GUCC). Therefore, some areas of activity that might normally be included as a part of the Consolidated Plan, such as affordable housing, will be addressed primarily through the HOME Program and GUCC. (The HOME Program is a HUD funded program designed to increase the supply of affordable housing at the community level, through both new construction and rehabilitation of existing housing in need of repair. The GUCC is a partnership between Cobb, Cherokee and the City of Roswell, with Cobb County administering the HOME funds for the three jurisdictions.)
2. Summary of the objectives and outcomes identified in the Plan Needs Assessment Overview
Cherokee County conducted a needs assessment and market analysis to determine the County’s needs. Community input obtained through interviews and consultation with agencies that serve the needs of the low to moderate income persons and public hearings helped establish the needs and develop long term goals and strategies. Through this process, an overall focus for CDBG activities will be to meet the National Objective – Benefit to low and moderate income persons. The following goals and strategies were established for the five-year Strategic Plan to guide the County’s allocation of CDBG resources for 2014-2018.
Increase the Capacity of Public Facilities and Infrastructure
· Improve residential neighborhood safety and livability by expanding/improving public facilities and infrastructure
· Increase services for low to moderate income persons by expanding/improving public facilities
Increase the Capacity of Public Services and Economic Opportunities
· Provide critical services for low income persons, homeless persons and other persons with special needs to assist themtowardincreased stability
Preserve and Expand Affordable Housing
· Improve sustainability of homeownership through a rehabilitation program
· Expand the supply of affordable housing
· Expand the supply of affordable rental housing
· Reduce lead-based paint hazard
· Encourage fair housing opportunities
3. Evaluation of past performance
The County is completing its first five-year Consolidated Plan with HUD. Public Facilities included the construction of a work activities center for mentally disabled adults, renovations to two senior centers, a public facility to provide services to victims of child abuse and the families, renovation of a public facility to expand services provided to the homeless or near homeless population, and expanded infrastructure through the addition of sidewalks in LMI communities. As the Cities infrastructures continue to age in older neighborhoods, infrastructure improvements are critical for maintaining neighborhoods as affordable.
Non-profit organizations within the County that meet the needs of the LMI community by providing critical services continue to be a major focus of the program. These non-profits serving battered and abused adults and victims of child abuse provide educational opportunities and services to the homeless or near homeless have been able to expand services even when other sources of funding decrease.
4. Summary of citizen participation process and consultation process
The County heldtwo public hearings/meetingsduring the course of the planning process to receive input from citizens, held stakeholder interviews, and had consultations with groups addressing housing to assess the needs and establish priority needs and long-term goals and strategies. Opportunities for citizens to comment on the draft Consolidated Plan were provided through a public comment period.
5. Summary of public comments
The public was invited to comment on the Consolidated Plan and one year action plan at a public hearing, by email or phone. The County did not receive any public comments to be reviewed.
6. Summary of comments or views not accepted and the reasons for not accepting them
Not applicable - no comments were received.
7. Summary
The 2014-2018 Consolidated Plan will address three primary goals: 1) Improve the Capacity of Public Facilities and Infrastructure; 2) Increase the Capacity of Public Services and Economic Opportunities; and, 3) Preserve and Expanding Affording Housing. CDBG funds will primarily be allocated to the first two goals and the HOME Program funds received the Georgia Urban County Consortium will be allocated to Affordable Housing.
The Process
PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies 24 CFR 91.200(b)
1. Describe agency/entity responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source
The following are the agencies/entities responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source.
Agency Role / Name / Department/Agency /Lead Agency / CHEROKEE COUNTY
CDBG Administrator / CHEROKEE COUNTY / Finance
HOPWA Administrator
HOME Administrator
HOPWA-C Administrator
Table 1 – Responsible Agencies
Narrative
Consolidated Plan Public Contact Information
Marianne Pieper,
770-721-7806
Cherokee County CDBG Program
1130 Bluffs Parkway
Canton, GA 30114
Consolidated Plan / CHEROKEE COUNTY / 16OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)
PR-10 Consultation - 91.100, 91.200(b), 91.215(l)
1. Introduction
Provide a concise summary of the jurisdiction’s activities to enhance coordination between public and assisted housing providers and private and governmental health, mental health and service agencies (91.215(I)).
In the process of developing the 2014-2018 Consolidated Plan, the County consulted with community members and representatives from local organizations providing housing and services to low and moderate income households in Cherokee County. Among the primary organizations consulted during the planning process wereCanton Housing Authority, North Central Georgia Habitat for Humanity, Cherokee Family Violence, Bethesda Community Health Clinic, Goshen Valley Boys Ranch and the County's Senior Center. Also during the process of the planning process, FOCUS initiated a program for coordinating efforts between private, public and the faith community to coordinate resources for meeting the needs of persons in needs of homelessness, housing, medical services and addictions. This coordinated effort opens doors for organiations to seek funding through collaboration.
Describe coordination with the Continuum of Care and efforts to address the needs of homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth) and persons at risk of homelessness
Cherokee County receives funds through the Balance of State Continuum of Care. Local oganizations, such as MUST Ministries and Cherokee Family Violence, are the driving forces for addressing the needs of the homeless persons within Cherokee County and receive funds directly from the Balance of State. The County participates in the local PIT counts and continues to support the efforts of those organizations addressing the needs of the Homeless population.
Describe consultation with the Continuum(s) of Care that serves the jurisdiction's area in determining how to allocate ESG funds, develop performance standards and evaluate outcomes, and develop funding, policies and procedures for the administration of HMIS
2. Describe Agencies, groups, organizations and others who participated in the process and describe the jurisdictions consultations with housing, social service agencies and other entities
Consolidated Plan / CHEROKEE COUNTY / 16OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)
Table 2 – Agencies, groups, organizations who participated
1 / Agency/Group/Organization / North Central Georgia Habitat for HumanityAgency/Group/Organization Type / Housing
PHA
Services-Education
Service-Fair Housing
Regional organization
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? / Housing Need Assessment
Public Housing Needs
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? / This organization is the CHDO for the County and provides on-going input into the needs for affordable housing. The County provides the organization with a minimum of 20% of the HOME funds received through the GUCC. Leveraging the land acquisition funds allows the affiliate to keep the housing affordable. NCGHFH participates in meetings with other stakeholders in the community to address additional housing needs.
2 / Agency/Group/Organization / MUST MINISTRIES, INC.
Agency/Group/Organization Type / Housing
Services-homeless
Services-Education
Services-Employment
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? / Housing Need Assessment
Public Housing Needs
Homeless Needs - Families with children
Non-Homeless Special Needs
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? / The County consults with MUST Ministries through regular meetings and through referrals for services. MUST Ministries has taken the lead role for the PIT Homeless Count and provides access to its Elizabeth Inn shelter in Cobb County.
3 / Agency/Group/Organization / Cherokee Family Violence Center
Agency/Group/Organization Type / Housing
Services-Children
Services-Victims of Domestic Violence
Services-Health
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? / Non-Homeless Special Needs
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? / Cherokee Family Violence meets with CDBG staff on a regular to review the needs of the victims of domestic violence. CFV provides insight to new organizations within the community and has collaborated with other non-profits to provide services to the persons in its Transitional Housing.
4 / Agency/Group/Organization / Housing Authority of Canton
Agency/Group/Organization Type / Housing
PHA
Services-Persons with Disabilities
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? / Public Housing Needs
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? / Telephone interviews with the Agency Director. These interviews indicated that the PHA is challenged with decreasing funds for maintaining its 145 units. While they meet Section 504 requirements, these units have an extremely long wait list. Current residents do not generally become homeowners. Coordination with North Central Georgia for Habitat for Humanity will be encouraged to foster home ownership.
5 / Agency/Group/Organization / Cherokee Day Training Center
Agency/Group/Organization Type / Housing
Services-Persons with Disabilities
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? / Housing Need Assessment
Public Housing Needs
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Market Analysis
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? / Telephone interview was conducted with Executive Director of this agency that provides employment training for adults with mental and physical disabilities. There is a trend away from group homes for the disabled to Host homes because of funding considerations. Through the consultation it was learned that the training center funded with CDBG funds is already at capacity. Additional resources are needed to increase sustainability for these disabled adults.
6 / Agency/Group/Organization / Cherokee Senior Services
Agency/Group/Organization Type / Services-Elderly Persons
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? / Non-Homeless Special Needs
How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? / A meeting was held with the County's Senior Services director to discuss the needs of the seniors and the frail elderly. The Senior Center provides meals on wheels, congregate care, case management and other services to assist the elderly. Sequestration has put a burden on the services they are able to provide. The Department will continue to promote the Senior Home Repair Program and coordination with the Volunteer Aging Council.
Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consulting
Other local/regional/state/federal planning efforts considered when preparing the Plan
Name of Plan / Lead Organization / How do the goals of your Strategic Plan overlap with the goals of each plan? /Continuum of Care
Table 3 – Other local / regional / federal planning efforts
Describe cooperation and coordination with other public entities, including the State and any adjacent units of general local government, in the implementation of the Consolidated Plan (91.215(l))
Cherokee County and each of the participating cities work closely in identifying needs within the individual jurisdictions. These efforts are through, at a minimum, of annual meetings with the local governments. The County also participates in the Georgia Urban County Consortiuum, Cobb County as the Lead Agency, in carrying out many of the housing activities through the HOME program resources.
Narrative (optional):
Consolidated Plan / CHEROKEE COUNTY / 16OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)
PR-15 Citizen Participation
1. Summary of citizen participation process/Efforts made to broaden citizen participation
Summarize citizen participation process and how it impacted goal-setting
Citizen Participation Outreach
SortOrder / ModeofOutreach / TargetofOutreach / Summaryofresponse/attendance / Summaryof
commentsreceived / Summaryofcomments not accepted andreasons / URL(If applicable) /
Table 4 – Citizen Participation Outreach
Consolidated Plan / CHEROKEE COUNTY / 16OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)
Needs Assessment
NA-05 Overview
Needs Assessment Overview
NA-10 Housing Needs Assessment - 24 CFR 91.205 (a,b,c)
Summary of Housing Needs
Residents of Cherokee County are challenged in finding, maintaining and affording housing. Cost burden is the most prevalent housing problem for the households in the County. CHAS data from the tables below estimate that 3,175 renters and 6,895 owners have cost burdens in excess of 30% of income. When severe housing problems existed, renter households with incomes at or below 30% of AMI assume the largest share (82%) while owner households with incomes at or below 50% of AMI experience severe housing problems (54%).
Small related households generally carry a cost burden greater than 30% with just over one half of the renter households at less than 30% of AMI. Owners on the other hand, experience a cost burden of 30% when they are making 50-80% of the AMI. Elderly households tend to be owners rather than renters with those at or below 30% of the AMI experiencing the greatest cost burden.